As the conflict with Hamas continues, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is facing increasing pressure from his war cabinet and the United States over postwar plans for the Gaza Strip.
Benny Gantz, a member of the military cabinet and Prime Minister Netanyahu's main political opponent, issued an ultimatum on Saturday, saying the government must come up with a new war plan involving international, Arab and Palestinian regimes on June 8. said he would resign. Manage the civil administration of Gaza.
Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, a fellow Cabinet member, echoed calls for a Palestinian governance plan. In a recent speech, Gallant said he had no intention of directly supporting Israel, which rules Gaza.
The United States has advocated revitalizing the Palestinian Authority, which oversees Gaza with support from Saudi Arabia and other Arab countries, with the aim of eventually establishing a Palestinian state. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan is expected to advance these plans during his visit to Israel today.
Prime Minister Netanyahu has so far rejected such pressure. But Gantz's ultimatum could limit his options. Prime Minister Netanyahu has proposed eliminating any role for the Palestinian Authority in Gaza and instead handing civil responsibility to local Palestinians who are not affiliated with Hamas or the autonomous government. He claimed that no plans could be made until Hamas was defeated, citing threats from Hamas against those collaborating with Israel.
Netanyahu's government remains firmly opposed to the establishment of a Palestinian state. In response to Gantz's ultimatum, Prime Minister Netanyahu said Gantz's conditions meant “the defeat of Israel, the surrender of most of the hostages, leaving Hamas intact and the establishment of a Palestinian state.” Nevertheless, he acknowledged the importance of an emergency government to continue the war effort and urged Gantz to make his position publicly clear.
Gantz's possible resignation would make Prime Minister Netanyahu more reliant on his far-right coalition, which includes National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich. These allies advocate reoccupying Gaza, encouraging “voluntary migration” of Palestinians, and rebuilding Jewish settlements demolished in 2005.
Critics, including thousands of protesters, accuse Netanyahu of prolonging the war for political survival. Gantz, who joined the government after the October 7 attack that triggered the war, warned Netanyahu “not to choose the path of fanaticism and lead the entire population into the abyss.” Prime Minister Netanyahu has denied these accusations, stressing his focus on defeating Hamas and arguing that the election would be a distraction from the war effort.
Opinion polls suggest that if new elections are held, Netanyahu will likely be ousted and Gantz will be his successor. The move could end Netanyahu's long political career and hasten his prosecution on long-standing corruption charges. Israeli media have reported growing dissatisfaction within the security establishment, with officials warning that a lack of post-war planning could turn a tactical victory into a strategic defeat.
Hamas has regrouped in areas hit hard by the conflict. Intense fighting continues in Jabaliya refugee camp and Zeitoun district. Israeli forces have also advanced into Rafah, causing widespread displacement and disrupting the delivery of humanitarian aid. Indirect ceasefire negotiations brokered by the United States, Qatar and Egypt appear to have stalled, with families of hostages held by Hamas blaming the Israeli government for the impasse.
In his speech, Gantz said, “Important decisions have not been made. The necessary leadership acts to ensure victory have not been carried out. A minority has occupied the command bridge of an Israeli ship and put the ship on rock. It's leading you towards the wall.”
